Everton-Manchester United Preview

Nov 19, 2009 - 5:04 PM DANIEL ROSE STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Paul Scholes aims to get Manchester United's Premier League title bid back on course against Everton on Saturday after backing manager Sir Alex Ferguson to carry on into his 70s.

Ferguson recently celebrated 23 years in charge at United and hinted after their 2008 Champions League final win over Chelsea he would step down at the end of next season.

United stalwart Scholes is desperate for the Scot to continue his trophy-laden stint at Old Trafford.

The former England midfielder said: "His record speaks for itself.

"Twenty-three years is a long time and, hopefully, he can continue to be here and win trophies for a long time to come.

"Other teams don't have the benefit of having a manager for so long and I think it goes to show what can be achieved if you have a manger for so long and the trophies they can win.

"I've known no different. When I played for England there was a change of manager from time to time and it probably didn't seem to help most of the time. I've been lucky enough to play under one manager and it has been great."

United are five points behind league leaders Chelsea and their bid to become the first team in history to win four successive titles was further dented by a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

Scholes believes the two-week international break has come at a good time for the champions, who will be boosted this weekend by the return of defender Nemanja Vidic and striker Dimitar Berbatov.

"This is the last international break for a while," he said. "Now we have to kick on in the league and all the competitions."

Everton defender Tony Hibbert has warned his teammates they are playing for the places.

The Toffees have a host of injured players nearing returns, including club captain Phil Neville and midfield pair Leon Osman and Stephen Pienaar.

Hibbert said: "The players who are out are genuine class. So the players who are currently in the first-team are constantly looking over their shoulder even when they are fit or not.

"A few of them are on the fringes of a return and it just shows what hard work they have put in; we can't wait until they are back.

"People say that when the injured players are out, the team picks itself. Players at other clubs may not want the injured players to come back, but that is certainly not the case at Everton.

"Every player at the club wants as big a squad as possible. It's just a case of them wanting Everton to achieve, and the squad that we have are a great bunch of lads."

Hibbert is also looking forward to renewing his rivalry with former teammate Wayne Rooney.

He said: "There's always banter with Wayne and I talk to him a lot throughout the games. He always gives a lot back too. It's a good laugh."